The best Bridgerton-themed afternoon teas to book in London right now
Dearest gentle reader, it’s time once again to step back into the wonderful, wisteria-covered world of Bridgerton, as the second instalment of the third season has finally arrived on Netflix.
Fans will certainly be hungry for more Polin (Colin and Penelope) after that carriage scene, and eager to discover what will become of Francesca, the Diamond of the season, and her budding romance.
And if you’ve still got room after devouring the new episodes, then you might want to book yourself in for one of the fabulous Bridgerton-inspired events taking place in London over the coming weeks.
From afternoon teas to limited-edition cocktail menus and Bridgerton biscuits, there’s plenty going on that’ll make you feel like you’re part of the Ton. Here’s a look at our top picks…
Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
Laden with pretty purple blooms, The Lanesborough’s lavish pale blue dining room will make you feel as if you’ve been transported straight into the Bridgertons’ picturesque drawing room, so it an ideal place to indulge in a cup of tea and some cake.
And of course, it won’t be just any old cake on a plate, these creations have been artfully crafted to celebrate the latest season of the show, with sweet treats inspired by Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s long-awaited love story.
Head pastry chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet has created four signature bakes for the occasion, including ‘The Social Butterfly’, which is a sharing cake inspired by Pen. There’s also one known as ‘Colin’s Travels’ which is dedicated to Colin’s passion for travelling, a third that signifies Eloise’s love for literature called ‘The Book of Eloise’, and a final cake that’s both bitter and sweet just like Lady Whistledown’s society papers.
Those who want to pair the tea with an alcoholic beverage can also enjoy the pretty ‘Friends to Lovers’ cocktail, which is served with a rose petal and white feather on top to represent Penelope’s iconic quill. It’s a twist on a classic margarita, prepared with 1800 coconut tequila, cherries and a hint of cranberry juice, balanced with honey and fresh lime juice. A non-alcoholic alternative, the ‘Blooming Wallflower’ is also offered.
Standard afternoon tea fare, such as a selection of sandwiches and homemade scones are also included.
Booking until Oct 2024, from £85 per person. Hyde Park Corner. Book here.
Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at Laduré
Whether you’re strolling down the Champs-Élysées or taking a break between your Covent Garden shopping spree, Ladurée is ordinarily the perfect stop for a sweet pick-me-up. But now, the pretty Parisian patisserie has one-upped itself with the introduction of a Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea in London.
The star of the show at Ladurée is, of course, the macarons, and this exciting afternoon tea features three of them – two of which are special Bridgerton creations.
The limited-edition macarons are printed and come in two flavours; a honey-lemon macaron in the Featherington family colours and a Chai macaron in the Bridgerton family colours.
In addition to this, chef Julien Alvarez and his team are also serving up show stopping sweet treats including a Briderton pastry, consisting of a lemon madeleine biscuit, pollen crisp, honey and chestnut mousse, a fresh lemon insert, and a chocolate and pollen coating.
The tea also comes with a vanilla lemon ginger, and a vanilla sugar scone, a chocolate cardamom Saint-Honoré, raspberry and rose baklava, as well as four types of sandwiches – including the fanciest cheese sarnie we’ve ever had. And the whole thing is rounded off with a rather interesting take on a chai latte – did we mention that it is blue?
If you can’t finish them all or you’re just after some macarons to have on-the-go, they come in an ornate pastel blue box that is a work of art in itself.
Available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2–6pm, until 30 June, from £59.95 per person. Covent Garden, 1 The Market, London WC2E 8RA. Book here.
Violet Cakes at Henry’s Townhouse
Those who simply can’t get enough of the Regency vibes, but are keen for something a little more Austen than Shondaland should book a slot for this very exclusive afternoon tea collaboration which will be running for three days in June, from 18 to 20.
The tea will be hosted inside the iconic Jane Austen-inspired Henry’s Townhouse, which is renowned for its highly-stylised interiors and intimate setting. Jane’s brother, Henry, lived at the address until the 18th Century.
Guests will be seated in one of four unique, private spaces dependent on their party size, where they will tuck into the unique tea by Royal baker and owner of Violet Cakes, Claire Ptak.
Claire is well-known for having made the cake for the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The afternoon tea itself will blend British elegance with Californian flair, and includes a variety of iced cakes, scones, savoury bites, and madeleines to name a few, all made with seasonal ingredients and served over a relaxed two-hour sitting.
18 – 20 June, £125pp. 24 Upper Berkeley Street, Marylebone. Book here.
Afternoon tea at a Bridgerton filming location
What could be better than tucking into afternoon tea while sitting in a place where Lady Whistledown herself has walked? For those that want the full Bridgerton experience, you can book an afternoon tea at the colonnades at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The setting is instantly recognisable and features in many scenes from the show.
The afternoon tea is a traditional one, with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a few Bridgerton-inspired sweet treats. You can pair your food with a selection of Hope & Glory teas, or add chilled prosecco or champagne.
The teas are being held at various times throughout the day on the last Sunday of each month from now until September and tickets include access to a few other must-visit spots at the ORNC, including the Painted Hall and Chapel as well as the opportunity to join a tour.
Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10 9NN, £60 per person. Book here.
Biscuiteers Bridgerton inspired biscuits
If you haven’t got time for tea, then you could always grab some beautiful Bridgerton-inspired biscuits to go from one of Biscuiteers’ locations in the capital (Notting Hill or Belgravia). You might be able to find them at various other stockists as well. Alternatively, you can order them online.
Various London locations, prices start from £10.95. Find out more here.
The Season of the Spritz at Mr Fogg’s
Cocktail lovers can also currently enjoy a limited-edition menu at Mr Fogg’s, known as The Season of the Spritz. The menu features several cocktails crafted with St Germain liqueur. There are several Mr Fogg’s locations across London, but the House of Botanicals with its treehouse would be the perfect spot to give these a try.
Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals, 48 Newman St, W1T 1QQ. Book here.
